INDUSTRYVOICESHow is demand for outdoor petproducts adjusting to meet thesurge in dog-friendly locales?

“After working in the ever-changing fashion industryfor 20 years, I noticed that a few things were shiftingwomen’s priorities: their heightened concerns aboutthe environment, a demand for more fashionable andsustainable products, increased spending on experienc-es and travel, and welcoming the pet into the home as afamily member. As a result, pet products are being devel-oped to complement this lifestyle.”—ANNGREENBERG,founder of A Pet with Paws in New York“Dogs are part of the family now.

When we opened The Yuppy Puppy,
people were looking for bags to carry
their dogs in. Now it’s the opposite—
they are putting backpacks on the
dog and letting it carry things.”
—AQUILA BROWN, owner of The
Yuppy Puppy in Spokane, Wash.

“Pet owners are getting outside and traveling more with
their pets. Pets Naturally has
been open for four years, and
for the last two winters, we
have seen customers coming
in more often to purchase
coats and other outdoor items
for their dogs.”—ANDREA
MARGELIS, manager of Pets
Naturally in Traverse City, Mich.

SH
UT
T
ERSTO
CK

NEW PRODUCTS

BRINGING COMFORT OUTDOORS

When heading out for a day of outdoor exploration, pet owners seek gear that will
keep their dogs comfortable and safe.

Canine adventurers will feel secure and at ease in the updated K9 Sport Sack dog
carrier-backpack, which has lumbar support straps as an additional safety measure to
better hold the dog upright, said Joseph Watson, CEO of K9 Sport Sack in Provo, Utah.

While not created to replace a dog’s need for exercise or to quash their curiosity,the K9 Sport Sack will help a pet owner to carry a tired dog or take them onadventures such as rock climbing or cycling, where dogs cannot typically keep up,Watson noted. The carrier can comfortably hold dogs up to 23 inches long or 30 pounds, isavailable in various sizes to accommodate a variety of breeds, and can double as asmall to medium-size airline-friendly pet carrier, he said.

“We will be releasing a new style of bag and should have our line of K9 Sport
Snugglers completed soon, which is a comfy insert that goes inside the bag to keep a
dog warm,” Watson added.

Getting back to roots, rocks and cones, Ruffwear’s Pacific Gnaw-West toy
collection, introduced last fall, takes inspiration from nature’s playthings and includes
three durable, chew-resistant toys made from renewable, natural rubber, said Susan
Strible, director of marketing for the Bend, Ore.-based company.

Gnawt-a-Stick is engineered for above-the-water flotation with a faceted surface
for gum massaging. Gnawt-a-Rock’s internal chamber holds kibble or small training
treats for mealtime or interactive play. Gnawt-a-Cone features an easy-to-clean
inner chamber that can hold large biscuits or peanut butter for interactive play. Each
features an erratic bounce for engaged fetching, said company officials.

A classic cold-weather utility jacket built with sturdy, durable materials,
Ruffwear’s Overcoat Jacket has been updated with a new leash portal for attaching to
Ruffwear’s Front Range Harness or Web Master Harness, according to the company.

In April, Ruffwear launched its Trail Runner System, a hands-free hip belt and
leash for backcountry adventures. The Trail Runner Belt features a comfortable,
bounce-free, load-dispersing design, and the product has intuitive leash release for
quick disconnect, the company reported. Ruffwear also launched a Trail Runner Bowl.
The ultra-light, packable 32-ounce bowl ensures dogs stay hydrated on the trail. It
packs down into its own pouch for easy stashing in small pockets, according to the
manufacturer.